South West Water and South West Lakes Trust are appealing for visitors to reservoirs and lakes in the region to keep themselves safe.

The warning comes following reports of people abseiling from the dam at Burrator reservoir, near Plymouth.

Not only were those concerned putting their own lives at risk, but also the lives of others as they had stretched a rope across the road over the dam.

South West Water is increasing security patrols in the area and is urging anyone who sees a dangerous activity like this taking place to report it.

A spokesperson from South West Water said: “We work closely with South West Lakes Trust to make our reservoirs accessible and pleasant for people to visit. However, we would remind visitors that these are operational sites with hidden dangers.

“Every summer, we remind people not to swim in our reservoirs because there are no lifeguarding facilities, they are very deep – often with steep sides – and can be extremely cold.

“Similarly, dams are tall, steep structures and in some cases access to the bottom in an emergency would be challenging.